NFL prospect Michael Sam comes out, could become first publicly gay player in NFL

Missouri DE Michael Sam, a 6’2″, 260-pound senior who was a first-team All-American and defensive player of the year in the SEC, announced he was gay in interviews with The New York Times and ESPN on Sunday.

Sam, who was expected to be drafted in the early rounds of the NFL draft in May, could become the first publicly gay active player in the NFL.

In the interview with The New York Times, Sam revealed that he had disclosed his sexuality to his teammates before this season began in a team meeting.

“Once I became official to my teammates, I knew who I was,” Mr. Sam said. “I knew that I was gay. And I knew that I was Michael Sam, who’s a Mizzou football player who happens to be gay. I was so proud of myself and I just didn’t care who knew.”

The NFL released a statement on Sunday evening supporting Sam’s decision and “welcoming” him to the league.

ESPN Screengrab

Reactions around Twitter were widely positive.

Coming out as gay two weeks before the Combine is one of the bravest things I've seen in my time in the media.

NFL prospect Michael Sam comes out, could become first publicly gay player in NFL

Missouri DE Michael Sam, a 6’2″, 260-pound senior who was a first-team All-American and defensive player of the year in the SEC, (…)

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